The lifestyle projector category continues to expand with a growing number of models designed to provide easy setup, mobility, and a big-screen viewing experience at an affordable price.
TCL is well known for its affordable larger-screen TVs and currently offers a number of models in the 98-inch screen size that seem to be flying off store shelves due to their affordable prices.
That being said, they have decided to enter the projector market with their first model in the portable projector category, the A1. TCL claims that the A1 is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, and can project images on a screen or wall, adding to its flexibility.
From Chris Hamdorf, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, TCL: “Our amazing ultra-large TVs offer the best solution for fixed screen entertainment but we recognize the different needs of consumers, so TCL is dedicated to bringing that superior viewing experience in new ways,…Projector A1 is the perfect extension to our lineup as it meets consumers in the places they want to watch, no matter where that is. It represents the convergence of TCL’s innovative technology, combining reliable Wi-Fi and streaming entertainment with award-winning visual and audio capabilities.“
What The TCL A1 Offers
The A1 features 360 ISO Lumen brightness and Full HD 1080p resolution, with an auto-adjustable focus, that supports screen sizes from 45 to 120 inches. For setup, the TCL has included advanced screen adaptation technology including auto focus and keystone correction.
For audio, the A1 incorporates two 8-watt speakers with integrated Dolby Audio processing which is also used on select TCL TVs. It can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker by switching modes. The A1 even includes LED lights on its side panel that provide light for parties (Light Sync).
In addition to audio and video, the TCL also incorporates the Google TV smart TV platform. This allows users to access movies, shows, live TV, and more from apps and subscriptions right out of the box. The A1 is also Netflix Certified. This means that users can access everything that Netflix has to offer.
In addition to streaming services offered through Google TV, the A1 also provides an HDMI input that allows users to connect a Blu-ray Disc player, Game Console, or other compatible source device. A USB port allows users to play compatible video, image, and audio files.
Google Assistant is also included. This allows users to find shows, play music, control smart home devices, and more using voice commands. You can also use Google Assistant to control other compatible smart home devices.
For portability, the A1 has a VersaGrip handle that also doubles as a stand. All you have to do is pull up for easy carrying or push down to adjust the projector angle for optimal viewing.
Comparison
Here’s how the TCL A1 compares to two notable similar sized portable video projectors from Samsung and LG.
| TCL A1 | Samsung Freestyle 2 | LG Cinebeam Q | |
| MSRP | $499 | $799 | $1,299 |
| Model Number | P3801S | SP-LFF3CLAX | HU710PB |
| Smart Platform | Google TV | Tizen | WebOS 6.0 |
| Display Resolution | 1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080) | 1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080) | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) via pixel shifting |
| Projection Technology | LCD | DLP/DMD | DLP/DMD |
| Light Source | LED | LED | Laser (RGB) |
| Brightness | 360 ISO Lumens | 230 ANSI Lumen (Peak) | 500 ANSI Lumens |
| Picture Size | 45″ – 120″ | 30″ – 100″ | 50″ – 120″ |
| Auto Focus | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Manual Focus | Yes | – | – |
| Auto / Manual Keystone Correction | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Additional Screen Setup Options | Intelligent Screen Alignment | N/A | Auto Screen Adjustment |
| Image Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9, 4:3 |
| Contrast Ratio | 2000:1 | 100,000:1 | 450,000:1 |
| HDR Support | N/A | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDR10, HLG |
| Gaming Support | Game Mode | Game Hub | Yes |
| Casting / Screen Mirroring | Yes – Chromecast | Yes | Screen Share (with Miracast supporting device) |
| Hands-Free Voice Control | – | Alexa, Bixby | N/A |
| Push-To-Talk Voice Control | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fan Noise (dB) | 30 dB | 30 dB | N/A |
| Built-In Handle/Stand | Yes (VersaGrip) | Yes (Freestyle Cradle) | Yes |
| Lighted Side Animation (LED Lights) | Yes | – | – |
| Speaker Output Power | 16-watts (2 x 8) | 5-watts | 3-watts |
| Bass Boost | Yes | – | – |
| Number of Channels | 2.0 | Mono | Mono |
| HDMI | 1 | 1 | HDMI with eARC |
| Aux Output | 1 | – | – |
| USB | 1 (USB Type A) | 1 (USB Type C) | 1 (USB Type C) |
| Video Player | MP4 / MKV | AVI / MKV / ASF / MP4 | N/A |
| Dimensions (WHD) | 5.0 x 7.6 x 10.4 inches | 4 x 6.8 x 3.7 inches | 5.31 x 5.31 x 3.15 inches |
| Weight | 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) | 0.8 kg (1.8 lbs) | 1.49 kg (3.3 lbs) |
The Bottom Line
TCL has already established itself in the TV market as the number 2 or 3 TV manufacturer in the world (depending on what stats you look at) but has not had any presence in the video projector market. Whether TCL has long-range plans to devote its resources to develop this product category as its closest competitor Hisense remains to be seen, but starting off with a portable projector might not be a bad place to start.
If the A1 draws in consumers looking for a portable projector option, that will be good for TCL, and if it turns out that it doesn’t, they haven’t lost much as they are already a dominant force in the TV market.
The A1 appears to be a solid first entry in terms of features, but one glaring weakness that jumps out is that it is only rated at 36O ISO lumens. Although not uncommon for compact, portable projectors (as shown in our comparison chart), in order to experience the picture quality claimed, you not only need an almost completely dark room, but if using it outside, you need a have an environment without issues such as neighbor’s lights, street lamps, or your own patio lights or other outside lighting.
In addition, the low lumens rating makes it harder to project onto a 120-inch screen with bright images.
Considering that many home theater and UST projectors and are rated at 2,000 lumens or more of white light output, 360 falls rather short. However, for small spaces such as bedrooms, offices, or a camping environment, this might be a fun projector to use.
Price & Availability
The TCL A1 portable video projector is available for $499 MSRP, and currently only sold online at Amazon. For more information, visit tcl.com.
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